THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Thursday that Doug Colbon of the Thunder Bay North Stars has been named the 2016-17 recipient of the prestigious CCM – Gary Cook Memorial Award.

This distinguished honour is presented annually by the SIJHL to an individual in recognition for their efforts, commitment and contributions to their respective team and/or the league.

Currently a member of the North Stars bench staff, Colbon has been associated with the SIJHL for many of its 16 years of operation as either a head coach or an assistant with multiple league clubs in Thunder Bay.

He was also in attendance at the league’s inaugural Annual General Meeting back in the spring of 1991.

As well as his involvement with the SIJHL, Colbon has been associated in coaching at many levels in the city, including the AAA Kings program to the junior ranks, which included a seven-year coaching stint with the Thunder Bay Flyers.

His time with the Flyers was highlighted by serving as an assistant coach on that club’s 1991-92 Centennial Cup, now RBC Cup, Canadian Jr. A Championship-winning side.

Colbon attended, played hockey and graduated from both Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Mich., and the University of Waterloo. He also holds a Master’s Degree in education from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.

“Much like the legendary Gary Cook, who this prestigious award is named after, Doug spent countless years associated with the SIJHL and the game overall and we commend him for his dedication and commitment,” added Graham.

Coaching that 1991-92 Flyers Jr. A national championship side is current SIJHL senior advisor of hockey operations, Dave Siciliano.

“Doug coaches for one reason only; for the development of the players,” said Siciliano.

“He is dedicated to helping every player succeed in hockey and life, enjoys the daily challenge of finding new ways to improve his defencemen, in particular, and is relentless in his energy, enthusiasm and drive to succeed,” summarized Siciliano.

“Doug has also been coaching from the 1970s to today, which in itself is a rare feat among coaches.”

The CCM – Gary Cook Memorial Award is presented annually by the SIJHL in honour of the late hockey icon for his five decades of hockey-related service to the community of Thunder Bay.

An honoured member of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Mr. Cook was the ultimate hockey executive who boasted a resume of championship clubs that was second to none in hockey circles around North America.

Among his many accomplishments as a general manager and executive with multiple Thunder Bay-based franchises, was a record five Allan Cup Canadian senior hockey championships, three Colonial Hockey League crowns, a CHL executive of the year award, a trio of SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup titles and a Dudley-Hewitt Cup trophy all the while earning the admiration and respect of the many, many people he was associated with over the years.

The following are the all-time CCM – Gary Cook Executive of the Year Memorial Award recipients: